Specially
augmented reissue of the classic 1970 debut! Includes 2nd
disc of rarities, DVD, magazine and poster!
Fruits de Mer are not
known as a reissue label so as this 2LP set marks their first foray
into the reissue market they've pulled out all the stops. Even by FdM
standards this bumper package is pretty special. An original copy
Fuchsia's 1971 debut on the Pegasus label will set you back a few
hundred quid. For a fraction of the cost you can have this newly
pressed 180g coloured vinyl reissue which comes complete with a
second disc featuring early demos, rarities and new recordings.
There's also a 15-minute DVD featuring founder member Tony Durant
talking about the album, a 24-page magazine and a fold-out poster.
Told you it was special!
A little background
info then – Vocalist/guitarist Tony Durant formed Fuchsia at Exeter
Univeristy back in the '60s. The band was named after Fuchsia Groan,
a princess character in Mervin Peakes' Gormenghast trilogy
from the 1940s. Their sole LP came out in 1970. Like many acid-folk
albums of the era (by the likes of Forest, Vashti Bunyan etc.) it was
drowned out of the cacaphonous marketplace, pushed to the sidelines
by big labels, big names and a burgeoning new heavy rock scene. As
the years passed the album quietly staked out a life of its own.
Slowly picking up converts and fans, and ageing rather well.
Listening to it today, it defies its simple acid-folk classification,
and contains a unique spirit. There are jazz influences on it, along
with baroque instrumentation. At times quirky and playful, other
times serious but always engaging and full of warm sentiments and
plenty of heart.
The album would go on
to inspire subseqent generations of hip-to-the-groove musicians. Most
recent and notable being Swedish group Me And My Kites who named
themselves after one of Fuchsia's best known tracks. The band
actually feature on disc two of this set backing Fuchsia vocalist
Tony on a version of 'The Band', a track which was originally issued on a 7” by FdM in 2014. A highly recommended package for fans both
old and new.
**The band will be
playing at the Sixteenth Dream of Dr. Sardonicus Festival in
Cardigan, August 3rd to 5th! **
**Also the Half
Moon, Putney on August 10th!
Click here for Fuchsia
on Facebook.
Click here for Fruits
de Mer Records.
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